Santos loan Alexis Duarte to Paraguayan side Libertad until June | OneFootball

Santos have loaned centre-back Alexis Duarte to Paraguayan side Libertad on a short deal running until June, when the Torneo Apertura ends.

According to Globo.com, the defender sought the move to secure more minutes and stay in contention with Paraguay for the World Cup. Although he has yet to play for the national team, he is regularly called up by coach Gustavo Alfaro.

Signed for four million dollars, around R$ 24 million, in September last year, he struggled to impose himself and remained behind Adonis Frías and Zé Ivaldo in the fight for a starting berth.

He made only six appearances for Santos last season, about 500 minutes. He was at fault in the defeat to Ceará and the draw with Botafogo, and was replaced at half-time in the latter.

He then lost further ground after a string of errors in the season-opening defeat to Chapecoense in the Campeonato Brasileiro, when he was directly involved in three of the four goals conceded.

Santos hope he can impress in Paraguayan football, make the World Cup squad and increase his market value, which could ease a future deal in the next transfer window.

Source: Globo.com